Steelers' Mike Tomlin Shared With Tony Dungy The Legitimate Reason He Fired Matt Canada In Private Conversation

The Pittsburgh Steelers have clinched a spot in the playoffs, capping off a season filled with drama and surprises. One of the most significant developments was the mid-season firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, a move that raised eyebrows and generated plenty of discussion. While many speculated about the reasons behind this decision, it was the legendary NFL Head Coach Tony Dungy who shed light on the true motivations behind Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin's move. 

Dungy explained at the end of the Buffalo Bills' victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night that Tomlin told him the real reason he had to fire Canada. 

"He said, 'You know what, I needed to do it because everybody was feeling the crush of it, and Matt Canada couldn't even be himself. And so, for all of us, I had to make that move, and everybody responded.”

This revelation provides valuable insight into the dynamics at play within the Steelers organization during a once tumultuous season. While Tomlin felt he had to force his hand to fire Canada, Steelers fans were thrilled with the termination.

The Steelers' postseason path has been revealed, and their first challenge will be facing the Bills. Interestingly, the Bills also made a move involving their offensive coordinator this season, parting ways with Ken Dorsey. Since then, they have found their rhythm, winning their last five games and thriving as a team. The Steelers will head into Buffalo in hopes of pulling off a big upset without their game wrecker TJ Watt.

Steelers' Offensive Struggles Under Matt Canada

Canada's tenure as the Steelers' offensive coordinator was marked by struggles and challenges. The team's offensive performance under his leadership left nothing to be desired, with rankings near the bottom of various key NFL offensive statistics. 

Perhaps one of the most surprising and troubling statements came from Canada himself when he admitted that the Steelers' offense was not built to stage comebacks from significant deficits. 

This statement raised eyebrows and increased scrutiny on the struggling coordinator, as it seemed counterintuitive for an offense boasting talented players like Najee Harris, George Pickens, and Diontae Johnson to lack the ability to mount a comeback.

As the season wore on, the calls for Canada's removal grew louder among Steeler Nation. The offense's struggles were evident, and fans were eager for change. Finally, after the Steelers' Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the decision was made to part ways with Canada. It was a move that had been a long time coming and was met with anticipation by fans and critics alike.

The firing of Canada marked a turning point for the Steelers' offense. Following his departure, the team experienced a significant shift in its performance. In their first game without Canada at the helm, the Steelers broke a remarkable streak of 58 games without totaling over 400 yards of total offense. 

Kenny Pickett, the team's young quarterback, had one of his best games of the season, passing for 278 yards. The offense as a whole churned out 421 yards of total offense, a promising sign for a unit that had struggled throughout the season. Mason Rudolph, who took over as the starting quarterback when Pickett went down with an injury and Mitch Trubisky struggled, injected new life into the offense as well. 

The team has rallied behind Rudolph, and a sense of unity and purpose seem to have emerged. The offense, under Rudolph's guidance, has begun to produce more consistently and effectively, giving fans and the organization renewed hope as they approach the postseason.

Now that the Steelers have secured their spot in the playoffs, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. The team's resurgence under Rudolph has breathed new hope into their postseason aspirations. With the offense clicking and the entire team playing with renewed vigor, the Steelers believe they can make a meaningful playoff run.

Tomlin's decision to part ways with Canada, as explained by Dungy, appears to have been a pivotal moment in the Steelers' season. It was a decision made with the team's well-being in mind, allowing them to shed the burden of underperformance and step into a new chapter with renewed confidence. As they embark on their playoff journey, the Steelers are eager to prove that they can overcome adversity and make their mark in the postseason.